Love can be very wonderful and joyful. However, it can bring heartache, pain and rejection. Many, like myself with disabilities, have trouble with love, because of trust issues and fear of being rejected because of their disability.

Before expressing love and getting into a relationship, there are several things you should do. The first thing is to accept your disabilities as part of yourself. I see my own as strengths in my character, like the ability to overcome challenges and to be independent. I have always been very honest about my disabilities. I believe that if someone cannot accept me for who I am, it is their loss and not worth my time. I always try to be positive in my life and to surround myself with positive people. Who wants to be around moody people?

I also find many people just settling for someone ignoring their beliefs, morals and standards, because they feel they do not deserve better. Standards are important, because they reflect who people are. For example, I socialize with honest, strong, positive and independent individuals. No one deserves to be belittled and disrespected for any reason.

More importantly, be proud of who you are and your accomplishments. Those are things no one can take away from you. Be happy and love yourself first, before loving others.